In today’s fast-paced world, the pace of transformation is unstoppable. We are experiencing an era of rapid progress, where new ideas and ventures, including those led by women in startups, are embraced with remarkable speed. As we navigate through this global landscape, we encounter both challenges and opportunities that call for innovative solutions. This highlights startups’ crucial role in driving progress and addressing the needs of our changing world.
In the ecosystem, the status quo has been set for some time, but this trend is shifting due to the determined efforts of women who are breaking barriers and achieving notable success. The vibrant startup scene has given rise to a fresh cohort of female entrepreneurs playing a crucial role in driving India’s economic advancement. The Women in India’s Startup Ecosystem Report (WISER) reveals a substantial increase in women-led startups, reaching 18 percent between 2017 and 2021. It’s widely acknowledged that female entrepreneurs make substantial contributions to the economy and play a pivotal role in cultivating a dynamic and inclusive business landscape.
The rising number of women entrepreneurs is driving substantial business and economic expansion in the nation, bringing in demographic shifts, and inspiring the next generation of women founders.
Transitioning from a national to a regional perspective, Goa is emerging as a preferred destination for startups. Women have played a pivotal role in fostering innovation and growth within the startup ecosystem. Remarkably, 33% of these startups are founded by women entrepreneurs. This notable statistic underscores the growing prominence of women entrepreneurs in Goa’s startup ecosystem. Through initiatives like the Goa Startup Yatra, Startup Goa programs, Masterclasses, Founder’s Club, Corporate Startup events, and First Friday with the Design community, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa, has taken significant strides in empowering young entrepreneurs and cultivating self-sustaining enterprises. These initiatives reflect the government’s dedication to fostering innovation, supporting startup ecosystems, and facilitating the growth of Goa’s entrepreneurial landscape. With a commitment towards building a robust startup ecosystem, the Department aims to boost local entrepreneurs, making Goa the most preferred startup destination in the region.
The presence of 76 startups with women founders or co-founders out of 225 registered startups in Goa exemplifies the significant strides made by women in the tech industry and the startup ecosystem. Among these startups are notable examples such as ASIER Solutions, I-Assist, Blurb Consultancy, Goenkart Digital World, Make it Happen, Tea Trunk, Contractzy, and many others.
Goa’s emergence as a startup destination is underscored by its growing connectivity, advancing physical infrastructure, and the proactive support extended by the Startup and IT Promotion Cell (SPC), a government initiative aimed at streamlining administrative processes. Collaborating with incubators, the SITPC facilitates startups at various developmental stages, contributing to the establishment of a dynamic startup ecosystem. Serving as the government’s crucial representative, the SITPC spearheads all startup policy-related endeavors in the state, positioning itself as the primary interface for startup-related initiatives. An entrepreneur in Goa expresses gratitude for the phenomenal support they receive. Ms. Gautami Raikar, founder of Contractzy, “The support we’ve received has been amazing. Since day one, we’ve been encouraged to keep innovating and making things easier for people. The Goa government has always been there, pushing young entrepreneurs to succeed. With their startup policy, more women will join the startup ecosystem.”
Ms. Supriya Malladad, Founder of Rachane Engineering Solutions enthusiastically shared, “Our startup offers solutions tailored to the Hospitality sector. Goa, renowned as a hospitality hub, is the perfect location to launch our business. Moreover, the assistance from FiiRE Incubation Centre, which concentrates on Tourism Tech in Goa, along with the events organized by the Goa Startup Mission for fostering the startup ecosystem, facilitated networking and provided valuable insights into the local market.”
Adding to the startup journey, Mrs. Maria Victor, the founder of Make It Happen, shared her experience, “Make It Happen is more than just a travel platform – it’s a movement to preserve the soul of Goa. We offer immersive experiences beyond the typical tourist trail, from heritage walks to culinary adventures, all curated to showcase the rich culture of our community. By connecting travelers with local talent and fostering sustainability, we’re reshaping tourism to benefit both visitors and the place they’re exploring.
We have received tremendous support from the local communities, the youth and home-grown businesses of Goa who have joined our team and collaborated with us to help build an ecosystem
for sustainable tourism. With over 35000+ travelers served and 30 unique experiences in Goa, Diu, and the Nilgiris. Our 70+ local hosts are fostering a sustainable local economy through storytelling and music.”
Ms. Moksha, Co-founder of Goenkart, India’s biggest woman entrepreneur e-commerce in Goa, expressed, “Our goal at Goenkart is to help Goan women entrepreneurs showcase their businesses to a wider audience. It’s the first platform of its kind in Goa, allowing women to sell their products and services not just locally, but also nationally and internationally. We’re thankful for the support from the Goa government, which has helped us access government grants.”
In Goa’s vibrant startup ecosystem, the rise of women entrepreneurs isn’t just a trend; it’s a transformative journey marked by empowerment and innovation. With an impressive 33% representation, women are reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape and propelling economic growth forward. Their stories of success, resilience, and collaboration serve as inspirations not only for the current generation but also for aspiring women founders of tomorrow. The Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa, plays a pivotal role in fostering this inclusive environment, providing support and resources to women entrepreneurs. As Goa strengthens its position as a hub for startups, women entrepreneurs are seizing the opportunity, leveraging the state’s support and dynamic environment to turn their dreams into reality. With each success, the future for women in Goa’s startup ecosystem looks brighter and more exciting.
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